Bright and colorful, “The King and I” appears on Pullman stage

Authentic Taiwanese masks, headdresses and fabrics will adorn the stage and its characters when “The King and I” opens at 7:30 tonight at the Regional Theatre of the Palouse in Pullman. The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic Broadway musical is based on the real-life events of Anna Leonowens, who was hired as an English teacher by the King of Siam in the early 1860s. The story explores the challenges that come with cultural differences and portrays a human connection based on love and respect. Additional shows are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Aug. 22-25; and 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Aug. 25 and 26. Admission is $20. Tickets online at www.rtoptheatre.org or by calling (509) 334-0750. The theater is at 122 N. Grand Ave.